Premier Pat Binns today announced that January 13, 2006 will be proclaimed Mark MacDonald Day in Prince Edward Island. The special designation is intended to honour the Island harness driver’s Canadian record setting season for wins.
A native of Kingston, Prince Edward Island, Mark MacDonald, 27, broke the Canadian harness racing record in 2005 by recording 692 wins, easily eclipsing the previous record of 643. Mr. MacDonald also led the country in purse earnings, having piloted horses that garnered more than $8 million in winnings.
“This is a tremendous achievement for Mark and it is a testament to his hard work and commitment to reach this pinnacle at such a young age. I am proud to have the best harness racing driver in Canada and, arguably, in the world today come from Prince Edward Island,” said the Premier.
The special day will be marked with a public event at the Atlantic Technology Centre in Charlottetown, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Mr. MacDonald will also be honoured at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre beginning at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to both events and Mark MacDonald will be available to sign autographs at both events. He will also drop the ceremonial puck to start the PEI Rocket game at the Charlottetown Civic Centre at 7:00 p.m.
The 2005 season was a dream season for Mark, not only for his record setting wins. Mark drove the three-year-old American Ideal to a record win in 1:47.3 at the Red Mile in Kentucky and won numerous stake races throughout North America. Mark fell just short in winning his third straight Gold Cup and Saucer race with Sand Olls Dexter.
“I am so pleased that Mark has proven to be a great role model for all by demonstrating a commitment to excellence and sportsmanship with class and humility,” said the Premier. “We congratulate Mark for his past successes and know he will continue to represent himself and Islanders well in the future.”